# New AC unit cost: central air and mini-splits

Updated: 2026-10-21 · https://pros411.com/en/guides/hvac/new-ac-unit-cost

## Short answer

A new central AC system, installed, usually costs about $4,000 to $8,000 for a typical home and more for high-efficiency units or new ductwork: HomeAdvisor’s normal range is $3,887 to $8,073 (average $5,978), HomeGuide’s entry-level installs run $5,000 to $8,300, Fixr lists $5,000 to $12,000 (average $6,000 for a 3-ton system) and Trane’s national range is $3,900 to $13,500. A single-zone mini-split runs about $2,500 to $6,000 installed, per HomeGuide.

## Central AC, installed, by source

| Source (updated) | What it covers | Price range | Average |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| HomeAdvisor (Jun 17, 2026) | Installation, normal range | $3,887 to $8,073 | $5,978 |
| HomeGuide (Jul 25, 2025) | Entry-level, installed | $5,000 to $8,300 | Not listed |
| HomeGuide (Jul 25, 2025) | Mid-range | $8,300 to $12,500 | Not listed |
| HomeGuide (Jul 25, 2025) | Central AC plus new ductwork | $9,000 to $16,000 | Not listed |
| Fixr (Jan 28, 2026) | Central AC, 3-ton basis | $5,000 to $12,000 | $6,000 |
| Trane (2026) | National replacement range | $3,900 to $13,500 | Not listed |

Trane is a manufacturer. HomeAdvisor and Angi are the same company.

## Central AC by size (HomeGuide, installed)

| Size | BTU per hour | Price range |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1.5 tons | 18,000 | $4,700 to $6,500 |
| 2 tons | 24,000 | $5,000 to $6,800 |
| 2.5 tons | 30,000 | $5,400 to $7,200 |
| 3 tons | 36,000 | $5,800 to $7,800 |
| 3.5 tons | 42,000 | $6,200 to $8,300 |
| 4 tons | 48,000 | $6,500 to $8,800 |
| 5 tons | 60,000 | $7,000 to $9,500 or more |

One ton of cooling is 12,000 BTU per hour. Source: HomeGuide, AC replacement cost, July 25, 2025.

## Mini-splits (ductless)

| Item | Source | Price range |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Single-zone, installed | HomeGuide (Oct 8, 2025) | $2,500 to $6,000 |
| 12,000 BTU (1 ton), installed | HomeGuide | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Multi-zone, installed | HomeGuide | $6,500 to $15,000 or more |
| Ductless mini-split | Fixr (Jan 28, 2026) | $1,000 to $14,500 |

## What moves the price

- Size: a bigger system costs more. The right size comes from a load calculation (ACCA Manual J), not from square feet alone.
- Efficiency: a higher SEER2 rating costs more up front and uses less power.
- Ductwork: repairing or replacing ducts adds thousands.
- Matching the indoor coil or furnace, the thermostat, electrical work and permits.
- Brand, warranty, labor rates in your city and the season (spring is usually easier to schedule than July).

## Size it right

A system that is too big cools fast but leaves the house clammy and wears out sooner; one that is too small runs all day. For a single room or a mini-split, try our AC size calculator (ENERGY STAR table). For a whole house, ask the contractor for a Manual J load calculation in writing.

## How to compare quotes

- Get the brand, model numbers, size in tons and SEER2 rating of the outdoor and indoor units.
- Ask what is included: permit, new pad, line set, thermostat, haul-away and duct work.
- Compare the warranty on parts and on labor, and ask who handles warranty claims.
- Check the contractor’s license: our license lookup covers Texas (TDLR), California (CSLB) and Florida (DBPR).

## When to call an HVAC technician

- Your system is over 10 to 15 years old and needs a big repair.
- It still uses R-22 refrigerant and has a leak.
- Some rooms never cool down.
- Your energy bills keep climbing.

Find AC & heating in your city: https://pros411.com/en/hvac

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a 3-ton AC unit cost installed?

HomeGuide lists $5,800 to $7,800 for a 3-ton central system installed, and Fixr uses a 3-ton system for its $5,000 to $12,000 range (average $6,000).

### How much does a mini-split cost?

HomeGuide lists $2,500 to $6,000 for a single-zone system installed and $6,500 to $15,000 or more for multi-zone.

### What size AC do I need?

For one room, use the ENERGY STAR table in our AC size calculator. For a whole house, a technician should do a Manual J load calculation.

### How long does a central AC last?

Cost guides put it at about 12 to 20 years, and ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement after 10 years.

## Sources

- [HomeAdvisor: AC unit installation cost (updated Jun 17, 2026)](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/install-an-ac-unit/)
- [HomeGuide: AC replacement cost (Jul 25, 2025)](https://homeguide.com/costs/install-ac-unit-cost)
- [HomeGuide: mini-split installation cost (Oct 8, 2025)](https://homeguide.com/costs/ductless-mini-split-ac-cost)
- [Fixr: AC installation cost (updated Jan 28, 2026)](https://www.fixr.com/costs/air-conditioner-installation)
- [Trane: central AC replacement cost](https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/air-conditioners/ac-replacement-cost/)
- [ACCA: Manual J](https://www.acca.org/standards/technical-manuals/manual-j)